SS6.2
Assess the efficacy of various methods of representing and interpreting astronomical phenomena, including phases, eclipses, and seasons.

CP, SI

Indicators for this outcome
(a)

Examine how people of different cultures, including First Nations, have recorded (e.g., medicine wheel, Mayan calendar, Stonehenge, pyramids) and used understandings of astronomical phenomena (e.g., positions of the stars and/or planets) to solve practical problems such as the appropriate time to plant and harvest crops, to support navigation on land and water, or to foretell significant events through stories and legends.

(b)

Examine ways in which humans have represented understanding of or interest in astronomical phenomena through music, dance, drama, visual art, or stories.

(c)

Demonstrate the importance of selecting appropriate processes for investigating scientific questions and solving technological problems by explaining why astronomy is considered a part of science but astrology is not.

(d)

Propose personal explanations for the causes of seasons, phases, and eclipses.

(e)

Demonstrate how Earth's rotation causes the day and night cycle and how Earth's 23.5° tilt and revolution around the sun causes the yearly cycle of seasons.

(f)

Propose explanations for how the yearly cycle of seasons might differ if Earth's axis were not tilted.

(g)

Consider alternate models of seasons and explanations for those models (e.g., the six-season model of the Woodland Cree, the rainy and dry seasons of some tropical and subtropical regions).

(h)

Model the relative positions of the sun, Earth, and moon to demonstrate moon phases and lunar and solar eclipses.

(i)

Propose questions related to astronomical phenomena to investigate using models and simulations, such as "Do other planets exhibit phases?", "How would seasons on Earth differ if Earth were not tilted?", "How would patterns of eclipses change if the sun, Earth, or moon were different diameters or positioned at different locations?".

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R071594
Our Earth in Motion: Understanding Time, Tides, and Seasons
This video explains the relationship between Earth and the moon. This includes movement with each other and around the sun. Graphics and animations illustrate the four seasons, two tides and the different moon phases.
Media and Formats : CD/DVD
Price : $95.00
Record posted/updated: November 28, 2018
R046948
Raven Tales. How Raven Stole the Sun
Raven Tales: How Raven Stole the Sun is an animated film based on a First Nations folklore of the Northwest coast. Frog tells Raven and Eagle about an old man who keeps the sky, the stars, the moon and the light of the world in a set of boxes by the river. Raven transforms himself into a spruce needle and is swallowed by the old man's daughter. Raven grows inside the girl until he is born as a Raven-child. He persuades the old man to open the boxes, until one is remaining. Raven reveals his true identity and escapes through the smoke-hole. As he ascends into sky with the sun, Raven awakens the plants and animals.
(More information)
Media and Formats : CD/DVD
Price : $29.95
canadiancontent
saskatchewancontent
fnmicontent
Record posted/updated: July 2, 2020
R071689
Saturn's Eyes: Taking the Planet's Pulse
This video program highlights the role of satellites in communication and observation. A range of applications for satellite technology are explored in the areas of weather and climate change, agriculture, pollution and deforestation. This program shows the interconnections between science and technology and clarifies how we come to know and understand various scientific concepts.
Media and Formats : CD/DVD
Price : $69.00
canadiancontent
Record posted/updated: November 28, 2018
R050387
Pearson Saskatchewan Science 6. Student Text
Saskatchewan Science 6 is custom published for Saskatchewan and developed by a team of Saskatchewan teachers. Each unit starts with a list of "Big Ideas" that sets the focus for the unit. A Big Idea then provides the title for each section in the unit. Throughout the unit, opportunities are provided for students to work together, communicate ideas, perform experiments, and carry out library and Internet research. Key vocabulary is bolded throughout the unit and an explanation of each term is provided. All key terms and explanations are also listed in a glossary at the back of the text. First Nations and Métis content, perspectives, and ways of knowing are an integral part of the Saskatchewan science text. Highlights of the activities and achievements of Saskatchewan men and women are provided in the "Ask ..." feature. In each unit, the "Ask ..." feature provides access to the wisdom of a First Nations or Métis Elder or Traditional Knowledge Keeper, who shares an oral story related to the content of that unit.
(More information)
•  Pearson Saskatchewan Science 6. Student Edition E-Book CD
•  Pearson Saskatchewan Science 6. Teacher's Resource
Media and Formats : Book
Price : $89.78
Record posted/updated: October 14, 2019
R047240
Dot to Dot in the Sky Series
Multiple illustrations, organized fact boxes, and a thematic page-frame are elements that make these compact paperbacks interesting to read. The paperbacks integrate folktales and scientific information about the moon and planets. The stories can be used as read-alouds for younger grades or silent reading for older students. The combination of mythology and science reflects the fascination with the moon and the planets, its influence on the human world and the attempt of ancient cultures to give a heavenly habitat to their deities. Each book also includes a table of contents, an index and a glossary.
(More information)
•  Dot to Dot in the Sky. Stories of the Moon
•  Dot to Dot in the Sky. Stories of the Planets
Media and Formats : Book
Price : Free
Record posted/updated: October 14, 2019
R045366
The Kids Book of the Night Sky
For students already inspired by the night sky, or for those yet to be, this book offers a range of information and ideas for sky watching. It includes a game of Night Sky I Spy, ideas on how to keep an astronomer's log, traditional narratives about the night sky from different cultures and information about the northern lights, eclipses and much more.
Media and Formats : Book
Price : $16.95
Record posted/updated: November 28, 2018
R045378
NightWatch: A Practical Guide to Viewing the Universe(4th ed.)
This guide to the night-time skies combines full-colour photographs, informative text, charts, boxes and tables to create an excellent reference book for both students and teachers. Canadian author and astronomer Terence Dickinson clearly presents information on the differences among planets, comets, satellites and stars; the ways to use star patterns for determining time and direction; and the criteria for choosing binoculars or a telescope.
Media and Formats : Book
Price : $35.00
Record posted/updated: November 28, 2018